Valan's Bondmate (31 page)

"Where is this Catherine, now?"

"She's dead. Gorm ad-Jai killed her a long time ago." She saw the horror, and disappointment, on their faces. "Before she died, Catherine wrote a story about her life and gave it to my mother."

"Can your mother read it?"

"Oh, yes. Catherine taught her. Mother said she wanted to leave a record of what happened to her in case her people ever looked for her."

"How'd she end up with the Wrothians?"

"She was taken from her own world and sold to the Wrothians."

"Is your mother from this Earth?"

"No. My mother's mother was taken from Xenti Prime when she was pregnant so my mother was born on one of the Wrothian warships."

"I’ll contact the Council and call for a special meeting tonight," Eirik said. "Valan, prepare the Invincible to leave as soon as possible. We must raid Zhang now and find Lia's mother and have a look at this book she has in her possession." He pulled Lia from the couch and hugged her. "You have done well, Daughter. Because of you, we might have found the solution to our problem."

"What problem, Father?" Eirik was already striding out of the room with Borg beside him. His answer came from the hallway.

"Valan, tell Lia about the babies. Now."

The words alarmed her, and her face paled. "Is something wrong with our babies, Valan?"

Valan hugged her. "Our babies are fine. It's just that they're both sons."

"But you said Zarronians always have a daughter and a son."

Valan pulled her onto his lap and explained the situation to her. Tears appeared in her eyes and ran down her cheeks. He knew she wept for the daughter they'd never have together. His own eyes glistened as she sobbed in his arms. "I'm sorry, Lia."

"It's not your fault, Valan. It's his! His and Gorm's but I wanted so badly to give you a daughter."

He held her until she calmed. "Let's go to the Invincible. While I prepare for the journey, I want you to rest. This stress is not good for our sons."

Lia gave him a trembling smile. "We’ll be happy with our sons, Valan, and some cycle they'll give us granddaughters. I know they will."

***

It took six cycles to prepare the starship. When they were ready to leave the Council gathered the warriors and told them the news about the sons their bondmates carried. As soon as the warriors got over the shock and calmed down they were told to report to their starship Commanders. After their departure the Council would notify their bondmates of their absence. Only Minda was told about the journey as she and Lia were needed to reassure the Wrothian females.

At first she thought Valan and his warriors would sneak in, get the females and then leave as they'd done before. It was inevitable she found out it was not the plan when Eirik and Borg joined them for dinner in their quarters. Borg mentioned the narcotic they intended to put in the Wrothians' ale. He did a credible job of trying to correct his slip, but Lia knew these three warriors very well. She knew instantly they were keeping something from her but she let it go but cornered Minda the next cycle.

Minda claimed ignorance, then tried crying. When neither of those worked, she blabbed and told Lia the warriors' plans. After learning the truth Lia stormed off in search of the barbarian and found him on the bridge. "Valan, I want to talk to you about your plans."

"Lia, go to our quarters and stay there until I come to you."

"No. I wa…"

"Don't forget our agreement."

"Oh! Every time you make me angry, you bring up…"

"I've extended it to the Xenti Galaxy. Shall I add more?"

Her hair flew out behind her in a silky cloud when she spun and marched stiffly from the bridge. He grinned and watched her. She was absolutely beautiful when she was roused to anger. He decided he'd let her wait a while before he joined her. "Royce, look at these new charts. I think we can cut some time from our journey if we stay out of these meteor fields and go by Alteria instead."

"We'll have to deal with the planet's gravitational pull, but with the new engines it shouldn't be as much of a problem as in the past."

"Good. Chart the new course and send it to me. I'll be in my quarters."

He took his time, stopping to speak with several warriors along the way. He wanted to give her time to steam. He wondered what she'd do now she knew she could blast him and survive. He chuckled as the door slid open, then ducked as an empty juice glass flew by his head and shattered on the corridor wall behind him. Well, now he knew. Thank, Tor, the glass was empty. He stepped into the room and the door closed behind him.

She sat in his chair, rocking so rapidly she was practically a blur.

"Do you know what happens to a bad little cat who throws a glass at her master?"

"Do you know what happens to a bad warrior who keeps secrets, important secrets, from his bondmate?"

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to defend them."

"Defend them? You're as stupid as Father said you were." She stood up. "Why would I defend them? They deserve to die. Not just for what they've done to you, but for the things they've done to my mother and Catherine and so many other people."

"Then, why are you so angry?"

"Did it ever occur to you that you might get your stupid self killed?"

"Watch it! That's the second time you've called me stupid."

"Don't you understand, Valan? I don't care about them. I care about you. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you." She blinked furiously, and cleared the tears from her eyes.

"Are you going to start that again, little cloud?"

"No. "

He handed her a pink cloth anyway, picked her up and sat down with her on his lap. "I won't get injured much less killed, Lia. We have a plan. A good one."

"Plans go wrong."

"Not this one. I promise." He nuzzled her cheek and kissed the tears away. "Lia?"

"Yes?"

"Tell me you're sorry for calling me stupid."

"No. I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because, I can only apologize if I'm laying down. It's a new law. My law."

"You don't get to make rules."

"I do now."

"Alright." He stood and carried her to the bed and lowered her onto it and dropped down next to her. He pushed the hem of her gown up her legs, caressing them as it bunched up over her belly.

"I've decided on another law, Valan. No more secrets. Alright?"

He looked into her eyes and nodded. "No more secrets."

***

They arrived at Zhang the next morning. Eirik summoned Borg, Valan, and the other starship Commanders to the conference room to go over the plans for the raid one last time. One of the Zarronian spies, Garrick Hughson, had been contacted earlier and ordered to contact Tamar ad-Lin. The two of them were to be transferred to the Invincible so they could take part in the meeting.

Valan couldn't forget what Cam told him about Tamar ad-Lin's request Lia be returned to him. Although he believed what Lia had told him, he couldn't deny feeling jealous of a warrior who'd wanted Lia enough to ask the High Council for her. Now, while he absently listened to the conversation around him, he waited for Garrick and the Wrothian to arrive.

"Valan? Borg asked you a question," his father said.

Valan forced himself to concentrate on the conversation and looked inquiringly at Borg.

"How much ale did Tamar ad-Lin say would be consumed tomorrow night? And, what size are the kegs it's stored in?"

"Each keg holds one kiloliter of ale and they'll consume approximately two-hundred kegs. Tamar ad-Lin's followers will mix the narcotic in the kegs that will be served during the evening feast."

"Good. If should take effect by the first unit after Darkening."

"What about the warriors who don't attend the feast?" Eirik asked. "There no such thing as a fool-proof plan."

"You'll have to ask Garrick," Valan said. "I asked him and he told me he had a plan for that."

The intercom on the table chimed. "What is it?"

"Mikel Thornson ordered me to inform you Garrick Hughson and his visitor have arrived and he's escorting them to the conference room."

"Fine." Valan leaned back in his seat and waited to meet this Wrothian who wanted his bondmate. Mikel and Garrick entered, followed by a large Wrothian. Valan was expecting a farmer, but this was a warrior who would be a formidable enemy. For a moment, Valan regretted he'd not be able to test his skills against him.

Garrick introduced Tamar ad-Lin to the warriors in the room before they took their places at the table. The Wrothian chose the empty seat across from him. Valan met his eyes and refused to look away while Tamar ad-Lin studied him.

Eirik cleared his throat and drew their attention. "Garrick, how are you planning to deal with the warriors who don't attend the feast?"

"Only some of the females will be serving at the feast. The others will be sent to serve ale to the guards and warriors in the streets. They'll serve the drugged ale as well. We think they'll be able to serve most of the warriors during the feasting."

"Excellent! Our warriors will still need to keep up their guard but this plan will prevent the females from being harmed."

"Garrick, what about the females. Surely, they can't all be in on these plans?" Valan asked, not liking the idea of so many people being informed about the raid.

"The females don't know the ale is drugged. On Zhang females who attend the feasting are allowed to drink ale while the females who serve are not allowed to drink any. All other females are ordered to remain in their homes until sun rising. We've made sure some of Tamar's people will be serving drugged ale in the other two villages, Nogh and Vulm as well."

"Good. Where will Lia's mother be during the feast?" Valan watched Tamar ad-Lin's reaction to his question.

Tamar answered before Garrick could. "She'll be with Selik ad-San and Gorm ad-Jai."

Valan nodded, satisfied all three of his targets would be together and easy to capture.

"Borg, how long will the drug last?" Eirik asked.

"It will keep them unconscious for six to eight units," Borg said.

Eirik smiled. "Commander Elofson, you and your men will attack Nogh. Commander Olafson, you and your men will attack Vulm. Valan will attack Orm."

"I agree." Commander Elofson sat forward and looked at Valan. "When will we begin the attack?"

"We should be prepared to strike as soon as the first warriors begin passing out so one unit after Darkening." Valan looked at Garrick. "Can you get your hands on some Wrothian clothing for us?"

"Yes," Garrick said.

"Good. My warriors and I will wander the streets of Orm with Tamar ad-Lin’s warriors and grab any sober Wrothians we see." Valan looked at Tamar ad-Lin. "Will you have men in Nogh and Vulm the other warriors can join?"

"Yes."

Eirik interrupted the staring match between Valan and Tamar ad-Lin.

"Excellent! Now, have we overlooked anything?"  Eirik looked around the table at each of them. "Then, I would like to speak to Tamar ad-Lin for a moment. The rest of you are dismissed."

Valan strode out into the hall and waited for Garrick to come out of the room. When he did, they grasped arms. "Tor, it's good to see you again, Garrick."

"It's been a while, Valan. These last months on Zhang have made me yearn for home."

"Can he be trusted, Garrick?"

"Tamar? Yes. He can. You know I have a feel for these things."

Valan nodded. He would trust his life on Garrick’s judgment. "How long can you stay aboard?"

"Long enough to meet your bondmate. I've heard all about her from Tamar."

Valan clenched his jaw. He didn't like the idea of Tamar ad-Lin discussing Lia with anyone. "Then, you'll join us for dinner before you leave."

"Good. I could use some Zarronian food for a change. I've told Tamar all about our wine and he's eager to try it."

Valan groaned, silently. He should have realized Garrick would expect Tamar ad-Lin to accompany them. "You know where my quarters are located. Join us when you're ready."

"We'll see you as soon as your father is finished speaking to Tamar."

Valan bid him farewell and walked away. How would Lia react to her old friend?

***

"Tamar? On the Invincible? Why?" Lia couldn't believe what Valan had just told her.

"He's helping us with the raid on Zhang. Will you be happy to see him?"

"Yes, of course. He'll know how my mother has been."

Valan smiled and relaxed. He could always count on Lia to bring him to his senses. The buzzer on the door sounded. He opened it, greeting Garrick and Tamar. Tamar went straight to Lia, picked her up and swung her around. Valan growled and strode toward them.

Lia saw Valan's eyes and quickly pushed herself out of Tamar's arms, then stepped between them. Valan picked her up and set her aside.

"Wrothian, you will not touch my bondmate." The words were roared in Tamar ad-Lin's face.

Tamar laughed and held up his hand. "Just testing you, Commander. I wanted to know if you cared about her and now I do."

"Valan?"

"You will not interfere, Lia. Garrick take Lia for a walk."

Garrick took Lia’s arm and escorted her into the corridor. "Don’t worry, Madami Valan. They won't fight. Tamar explained to me why he'd offered for you and he'll explain to Valan as well."

"Really? Why did he offer for me?"

"I thought you knew or I wouldn't have said anything."

"No. So, tell me."

"Well, whenever Tamar would hear of a female Gorm ad-Jai wanted he'd try to trade for her. To save her from Gorm, you see."

"I understand. I always wondered why he wanted so many females. And, that's why he wanted me?"

"Yes."

"That was very kind of Tamar. I'll have to remember to thank him. "

"I think we can go back now." He led her back to her quarters.

They found Valan and Tamar seated at the table drinking Zarronian wine and laughing. Valan hooked her waist and pulled her onto his lap.

"Valan! I have to prepare dinner."

He stood up and set her his chair. "I'll do it while you ask Tamar about your mother."